Calendula and yarrow, commonly grown in North American and European gardens, have been used decoratively and medicinally for centuries. In addition to healing benefits, calendula is edible and flavorful in salads. Yarrow, once called "herba militaria," which means military herb, was used in ancient times as a wound-healing herb for soldiers. Dried yarrow, with its strong sage-like flavor, enlivens salads and soups. In gardens, calendula repels tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles, while yarrow attracts beneficial lady beetles and wasps. Always consult your medical practitioner about health problems and before using any medicines, supplements or herbs.
Description of Calendula
Calendula, also known as English marigold or pot marigold, is a daisy-like annual with yellow or orange flowers. Calendula flowers are harvested when fully bloomed and then the entire flower or just the petals are dried to create medicinal or cooking herbs.
Medicinal Benefits for Internal Illness
Calendula's medicinal properties are derived mainly from the flowers, which are a rich source of carotene. The carotenoids in calendula, especially the orange varieties, are antioxidant-rich. Flavonoids, plentiful in calendula, may account for the flower's anti-inflammatory qualities. Because of calendula's soothing effects, calendula-based medicinal teas and tinctures are helpful for uncomfortable internal conditions such as peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis and stomach problems.
Topical Benefits for External Issues
Calendula has bactericidal and antiseptic qualities and can be applied topically to minor burns as an ointment. Before using any herbal remedy, talk to your doctor for suggestions. Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of using homeopathic remedies for burn treatment, some homeopaths suggest using calendula as a remedy for minor burns and sunburns. You can prepare tea for topical compresses by steeping one teaspoon of flower petals in a cup of boiling water, straining it and letting it cool before soaking cloths in the liquid.
Calendula's petals and pollen contain anti-inflammatory substances used to reduce swelling. Calendula continues to be an ingredient in creams and ointments that can help heal wounds. Calendula's anti-fungal activity helps combat athlete's foot and ringworm.
Description of Yarrow
Yarrow is an herb native to the Americas, Europe and Asia. The small white daisy-like flowers, the stems and the leaves have been used in traditional medicines and continue to serve as an ingredient in herbal remedies today.
Internal Benefits
Some of the healing qualities attributed to yarrow come from flavonoids, which provide antioxidant benefits, and from salicylic acid, a natural form of aspirin. It has also been used as a digestive aid, and it helps fight colds and toothaches. When yarrow is made into either tea or an infusion and then consumed, it acts as a febrifuge, which means it can fight fever by causing the patient to sweat.
Yarrow helps reduce water retention and is also helpful when used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, hemorrhoids and menstrual complaints. Yarrow has antiseptic qualities that can help cleanse the kidneys and urinary tract. Some people with hemorrhoids add yarrow to their baths to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
External Benefits
Yarrow is used externally on cuts and wounds to help stop or reduce bleeding, and its astringent qualities help protect the skin. Yarrow can be prepared as a tincture, a poultice or a compress. It should never be used on an infected wound because of its ability to seal a cut, which potentially can trap the infection inside the body.
References
- University of Virginia: English Physician
- Michigan State University Extension: Companion Planting
- University of Michigan Health System: Calendula
- W. J. Beal Botanical Garden: Pot Marigold Calendula officinalis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Burns
- University of Michigan Health System: Wound Healing
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